{"id":11030,"date":"2016-08-03T17:24:07","date_gmt":"2016-08-04T00:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/?p=11030"},"modified":"2016-08-03T17:24:07","modified_gmt":"2016-08-04T00:24:07","slug":"pipistrel-nasa-test-motors-to-assist-x-57-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/pipistrel-nasa-test-motors-to-assist-x-57-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Pipistrel, NASA Test Motors to Assist X-57 Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taja Boscarol of Pipistrel in Slovenia relays the information that NASA has tested Pipistrel\u2019s electric propulsion system as part of its electric flight research for the X-57 program.\u00a0 It would seem reasonable to start by checking out Pipistrel\u2019s well-tested motor package, one of the few that comes with fully-matched controller, batteries, and ancillary gear.<\/p>\n

\"Pipistrel

Pipistrel motor on Airvolt test stand at Armstrong Flight Research Center<\/p><\/div>\n

NASA performed its tests on its 13.5-foot Airvolt stand <\/a>at the Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California.\u00a0 Heavily instrumented, the Airvolt stand collects data through \u201chigh-fidelity sensors,\u201d and transmits the collected information to a data acquisition unit that processes, records, and filters the measurements.\u00a0 NASA and Pipistrel should be able to make good use of this data.<\/p>\n

Normally installed on the Taurus Electro G2 motorglider, the Roman Susnik designed motor produces 40 kilowatts (53.6 hp.) at low rpm while producing high torque, an ideal combination for rapid climbs to soaring altitude.<\/p>\n

\"Motor

Motor system as mounted on Pipistrel Taurus Electro G2<\/p><\/div>\n

NASA will collect \u201ctorque and thrust measurements, high-fidelity voltage analysis, power efficiency, and details on how the system behaves. A simulation model will be developed from that information to study flight controls, power management and transition issues of a distributed electric aircraft.\u201d\u00a0 All this is intended to prepare the way for the X-57 SCEPTOR (Scalable Convergent Electric Propulsion Technology Operations Research),<\/a> a 14-motor speedster designed to fly on one-fifth the energy of a conventional aircraft of the same size.<\/p>\n

Because factors such as electro-magnetic interference play a part in motors and the circuits controlling them, it\u2019s useful to test and understand the characteristics of a single motor before teaming it up with 13 others.\u00a0 Because Pipistrel\u2019s motors are well-proven and known, they make a good baseline for further testing.\u00a0 In the multi-motor systems, then, \u201cvariables can be reduced and multi-motor configuration optimized.\u201d \u00a0This level of understanding and demonstrated performance should increase the element of certainty in ongoing development of the X-57.<\/p>\n

\"Pipistrel

Pipistrel Plug&Play system laid out. G2 would have two-blade propeller, though<\/p><\/div>\n

Taja\u2019s press release continues, “\u2019Overall, we are getting excellent data,\u2019 said Mr. Yohan Lin, Airvolt integration lead. \u2018What we are learning will help us to understand this new technology, and be a starting point for complex challenges. Each system is different, but we will be ready.\u2019”<\/p>\n

Airvolt is one of many tools that support NASA\u2019s goal of creating low-carbon aviation. Pipistrel was the first aircraft producer to make both fully electric 2-seat and 4-seat aircraft and, \u201cfully supports this goal and is proud to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the winner of the 2011 Green Flight Challenge with its G4, a craft that set a still-unbroken record of 403.5 passenger-miles-per-gallon, Pipistrel has shown its dedication to achieving \u201cgreen\u201d aviation.<\/p>\n

You can read a detailed report on the Airvolt Aircraft Electric Propulsion Test Stand,<\/a> written by Aamod Samuel and Yohan Lin, both at \u00a0NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.<\/p>\n

Taja shares other company accomplishments.\u00a0 \u201cPipistrel has pioneered in-house projects, such as:<\/p>\n

\"Lin

Yohan Lin, Airvolt integration lead, performing adjustments on test stand. \u00a0Photo: NASA, Lauren Hughes<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201c- the World’s first serially produced electric 2-seat aircraft Taurus Electro G2 (2007),
\n\u201c- the World’s first and for now (as of July 2016) still the only electric 4-seat aircraft – the Taurus G4 (2011), which claimed the victory at the NASA Green Flight Challenge;
\n\u201c- Alpha Electro, the first practical electric trainer, optimised for basic training<\/p>\n

\u201cPipistrel also provides customised development of systems and technologies for electric flight on manned and unmanned platforms. Public projects, where Pipistrel’s technology has been used and showcased among others include:
\n“-a very ambitious project of a hybrid aircraft propulsion system, the Hypstair<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201c-cooperation with Siemens and other partners on the project of creating\u00a0an electric aerobatic airplane, the Extra 330LE<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cElectricity is not the only promising source of green propulsion; hydrogen offers many options, too. That’s why Pipistrel participates in the Hy4 project<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n